Newfoundland and Labrador seeking public input on possible plastic bag ban

Newfoundland and Labrador is asking residents and others about their opinions on the possibility of banning single-use retail plastic bags.

The provincial government is making available a link to a survey. “Information gathered will assist in determining what implications a ban might have on businesses and the public, as well as what approach might reduce impacts on those who use, distribute, and make single-use plastic bags,” the government said in a statement.

Residents and others can visit https://www.engagenl.ca/ to fill out the online questionnaire or read the discussion document and provide a written submission on the impacts of a potential ban of these bags. Written submissions can be emailed to plasticbagconsultations@gov.nl.ca

The deadline to participate is March 27.

The Toronto-based Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has responded to the Atlantic Canadian province’s initiative by sending the link to its own members, who can submit pro-plastics viewpoints. “At stake is a ban that would prohibit the use of plastic shopping bags in Newfoundland & Labrador,” CPIA said. “Bag bans are the thin edge of the wedge that will move to other plastic packaging…We need support from our industry and supporters to promote a voluntary approach to managing bags based on fact and science.”